Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour
Beijing, China

Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour

Outty Ranking 73 5.0 · 13 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $5
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Outty Ranking

73/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour worth booking?

Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour is a 3-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $5 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
73 / 100
Rating
5/5 (13)
Duration
3 hours
From
$5 per person

Why book with us? We are local experts in Beijing. We understand the frustration of getting around in Beijing. So many rules for pre booking tickets. We will handle the complexities for you, you can enjoy your visit stress-free with us. Follow our professional guide to explore the biggest wooden palace complex in the world happily.

What you get

    About this experience

    Why book with us? We are local experts in Beijing. We understand the frustration of getting around in Beijing. So many rules for pre booking tickets. We will handle the complexities for you, you can enjoy your visit stress-free with us. Follow our professional guide to explore the biggest wooden palace complex in the world happily.

    What's included

    Included

    • Entrance ticket cost with guaranteed entries
    • Professtional English-speaking guiding service
    • Pick up all travellers from fixed meeting point

    Not included

    • Tips to the guide for good service
    • Tickets to the Jewelry and Clock museums
    • Hotel pick up and drop off services

    What you'll see and do

    1. Meridian Gate (Wu Men)

      Here is the starting of the Forbidden City, Forbidden City which is constructed from 1406 through 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City – the world’s largest wooden palaces complex – served as China’s imperial palace until the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, housing a total of 24 emperors. A Unesco World Heritage Site and the home of the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City is extremly large, 1. Timeline of Ming and Qing Dynasty Interspersed with interesting historical stories. 2.Knowledge of Chinese Ancient Architecture,interesting Feng-Shui knowledge. 3. Political and Religious Background Knowledge of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. 4.The emperor's family affairs had happened in the Forbidden City. We will enter into the Forbidden City from the southern gate. Your guide gonna share the deep-rooted feudal hierarchy.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Hall of Great Harmony (Taihe Dian)

      You guide will show you three harmony halls including Hall of Superem Harmony sharing emperors' duties and holy role in feudual dynasty. You will also learn ancient architecture‘s ranking systerm and knowleadge.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Hall of Middle Harmony (Zhonghe Dian)

      Emperor did ehearsals here.

      10 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohedian)

      Imperial exams were held here.

      10 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Palace of Heavenly Purity

      Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, Palace of earthly tranquility. Learn the system of Imperial Harem of the Qing Dynasty. We will take you to see details hiding in the corners.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Hall of Union

      Where emperor and empress meet each other.

      10 minutes here · Admission included

    7. Palace of Earthly Tranquility

      Where empress live and the honeymoon room for emperor and empress during the late Qing dynasty

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    8. The Imperial Garden of The Palace Museum

      Combined almost the ancient garden art of China.

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    9. Gate of Divine Prowess

      Here is the Exit of the Forbidden City. We will finish the tour here. Your guide will advise you on how to get your next stop.

      5 minutes here · Admission included

    10. Tiananmen Square

      It's the iconic place of Beijing, sitting in the center of Beijing since 1420 of Ming dynasty till today. It witnessed the changing of the late feudal dynasties and the key events of revolutions and reformations of modern China.

      30 minutes here

    11. Temple of Heaven

      Most holy and beautiful imperial temple for 23 emperors from Ming and Qing dynasties in Beijing.

      40 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Beijing

    Exit A of Tiananmen East subway station of line 1.

    Meeting point

    Beijing

    Formal entrance of Forbidden City

    Meeting point

    Beijing

    Meeting Point: Palace Museum East Gate By Subway: Get off at exit C of Jin Yu Hu Tong Station of line 8. Once you reach the ground floor, please turn right and go straight for around 800 meters passing 3 traffic lights. You will see a big red color gate and a city moat.

    Meeting point

    Beijing

    This meeting point is for Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temp le of Heaven Walking Tour. The meeting time is 9:30AM Meeting point: Lobby of Beijing Xinqiao Hotel ( NOTE: It's not the Novotel Beijing Peace )

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    This ending point is for Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven Walking Tour

    Ends at

    This ending point is for This meeting point is for Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Walking Tour.

    Options you can book

    • T-Square+Forbidden City

      Duration: 4 hours Palace+Quare: Visit 24 emperors' home and Beautiful Garden beside Starting point: Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao, 1 Chong Wen Men Xi Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100005

    • Tian’an Square ticket(No Tour)

      Self-guided: Book your ticket in advance and sent it to you by email or WhatsApp. On the event day, you can visit by the ticket. Starting point: Tian'anmen East, Dongcheng, China, 100051

    • Forbidden City+T-Square

      Duration: 4 hours: This option will last around 3.5-4.5 hours. Small Group Tour:: Tian'anmen Square + Forbidden City Starting point: 97 Dong Hua Men Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100006

    • Forbidden City Ticket(no Tour)

      Ticket only : We only book your tickets in advance. On the event day, you can enter Forbidden City by your passports. Starting point: Meridian Gate, 4 Jing Shan Qian Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, China, 100006

    • Forbidden City Only

      3 hours in-depth Walking Tour Duration: 3 hours Central axis+Side palaces Starting point: 97 Dong Hua Men Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100006

    • Square+Forbidden+TempleHeaven

      Duration: 7 hours Small group tour:: Tian'anmen Square+Forbidden City+Temple of Heaven Bus: Depends on the traffic and political reasons

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    beijingtourcompany

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushing a wheelchair needs skills and takes a lot of energy. As the Forbidden City is super big which is 72 hectares and passing through so many gates need go up and down slopes.
    • Total tour duration includes travel time.

    Photos

    Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour, photo 2Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour, photo 3Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour, photo 4Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour, photo 5Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour, photo 6Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    13 verified traveler reviews for Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    13
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    charliemA7098MQ · October 2026

    Forbidden city with Joe

    Joe is great! Lots of good history and facts

    via Tripadvisor

    adriancornelp · June 2026

    Memorable day in Forbidden City with Phoebe. Private guide for couple.

    Excellent day with Phoebe. She is so knowledgeable on history and Chinese culture. She accomodate ball our wishes and made the day really memorable. Thank you Phoebe

    via Tripadvisor

    Jenny_T · May 2026

    Amazing tour!

    Amazing service and great know of the things we saw. Huang was a fantastic tour guide! He was so kind to show us the tour and more!

    via Viator

    Navigator62913213588 · May 2026

    Book here if you want to enjoy the Forbidden City at its best

    Very comfortable booking through Candice and super interesting tour with Joe! He introduced us to a lot of historical information around the Forbidden City in a perfect English! We can full recommend him as he is very well prepared and the tour was great! Thank you Joe!

    via Tripadvisor

    stefankV723QQ · August 2025

    Enjoyable day

    The guide Summer was fantastic and very knowledgeable and friendmy.I had good memories about forbidden city.Highly recommend her.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $5 to $60
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 73

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)94
    Review evidence (18% weight)45
    Booking momentum (14% weight)37
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)66
    Local standing (8% weight)56
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.

    How much does Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $5 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Beijing usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Beijing is not rushed.

    Is Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour?

    +

    Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Beijing can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Beijing and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Beijing within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Beijing?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Beijing experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Temple Heaven, Lama Temple, Summer Palace & Peking Duck Bus Tour, Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Sightseeing Full-day Group Tours, Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Beijing?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Beijing?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour?

    +

    Included: Entrance ticket cost with guaranteed entries; Professtional English-speaking guiding service; and Pick up all travellers from fixed meeting point. Not included: Tips to the guide for good service; Tickets to the Jewelry and Clock museums; and Hotel pick up and drop off services. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour?

    +

    Exit A of Tiananmen East subway station of line 1. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; Wheelchair accessible; and Pushing a wheelchair needs skills and takes a lot of energy. As the Forbidden City is supe. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Beijing. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour?

    +

    Across 13 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour?

    +

    There are 6 options to choose from, including T-Square+Forbidden City, Tian’an Square ticket(No Tour), Forbidden City+T-Square, Forbidden City Ticket(no Tour). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Beijing: Highlights of Forbidden City+Options Group Tour.

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